De La Soul - Stakes Is High (2xLP) Vinyl Record Reissue

De La Soul – Stakes Is High (2×LP Vinyl, Chrysalis/AOI)

🎵 The Music Inside

Originally released in 1996, Stakes Is High is De La Soul’s sharpest social commentary—grown-man lyricism over soulful, jazz-inflected production. Guests include Common and a then-up-and-coming Mos Def. This double-LP pressing revives a landmark statement from one of hip-hop’s most inventive groups.

📜 Tracklist

Intro • Supa Emcees • The Bizness (feat. Common) • Yunonstop • Wonce Again Long Island • A-Notha • Itzsoweezee (HOT) • The Red & the Black • [interludes/skits as on release] • Sunshine (feat. Mos Def) • Stakes Is High
(Exact sequencing as printed on jacket/labels)

🔍 Sample Notes (confirmed highlights)

• “Stakes Is High” (title track) – built from Ahmad Jamal’s “Swahililand” and James Brown’s “Mind Power.”
• “The Bizness” (feat. Common) – incorporates Craig Mack’s “Get Down,” Timmie Rogers’ “The Black Astronaut,” Biz Markie’s “A One Two,” and “What Makes You Happy” (as listed on WhoSampled’s entry for the track). 
• “Itzsoweezee (HOT)” – flips Pratt & McClain’s “Happy Days,” Dirtsman’s “Hot This Year,” and James Brown’s “Funky President (People It’s Bad).” 
• “Intro” – stitches The Jackson 5 (live “Sing a Simple Song/Can You Remember” medley), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s “T.R.O.Y.,” and other classic snippets. 
• “Sunshine” (feat. Mos Def) – draws on Commodores’ “High on Sunshine” and Bayeté’s “Free Angela.” 
• “Supa Emcees” – punctuated with cues from Walter Wanderley’s “Summer Samba,” Jimmy Spicer’s “Adventures of Super Rhyme,” Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick’s “La-Di-Da-Di,” and Wilson Pickett’s “Engine #9.” 

Note: Some tracks have additional micro-samples and DJ drops; credits above reflect reputable, public listings from sample databases and editorial breakdowns.

📦 Product Overview

• Format: 2×LP, factory-sealed
• Label: Chrysalis / AOI Records
• UPC: 810098503006 (modern reissue) 
• Condition: Brand-new, collector-grade pressing

🧠 Why This Album Belongs in Your Collection

A cornerstone of mid-’90s hip-hop—smart, soulful, and sample-rich. From the Jay Dee-era touch on the title cut’s ingredients to the deep-crate choices across the album, Stakes Is High is essential listening for fans, DJs, and producers.